Metro India News | Hyderabad 

A catastrophic bus–tanker collision near Madinah early Monday claimed the lives of at least 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims, most of them from Hyderabad. Only one passenger, Shoaib, survived after breaking a window and jumping out of the burning bus. The crash occurred about 25 km from the holy city.

Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar said the group had travelled to Jeddah on November 9 and was scheduled to return on November 23. Of the 54 pilgrims, eight were elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, while 46 were on the bus at the time of the accident.

Officials confirmed that among the 46 passengers, 43 were from Hyderabad, two from Cyberabad and one from Hubballi in Karnataka. The group included 18 men, 18 women, and 10 children. Families in Hyderabad grew anxious when they were unable to reach their relatives. Several residents, including Mufti Asif, Mohammad Salman, and Mohammad Burhan, confirmed that multiple members of their families were among the pilgrims.

According to preliminary reports, the force of the collision left the vehicle severely damaged, making rescue operations difficult. Local emergency teams moved the injured to nearby hospitals, while efforts are underway to identify all the victims. This remains one of the most devastating incidents involving Indian pilgrims in recent years, and authorities say updates will be issued as identification and repatriation procedures continue.

PM Modi expresses deep anguish over the tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the tragedy, assuring that Indian officials were coordinating closely with Saudi authorities. Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin said initial reports suggested the toll could rise to 47 to 48, with many bodies charred beyond recognition. Pilgrims had booked their travel through four different agencies.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy directed officials to compile a complete list of victims and maintain coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy.

State Cabinet approves ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for each victim’s family

The State Cabinet approved an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for each victim’s family. A government team led by Minister Azharuddin, along with an AIMIM MLA and senior officials, will travel to Saudi Arabia. Two family members of every victim will also be taken, and the last rites will be performed there.

AIMIM leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi and MLA Majid Hussain, conveyed their condolences and are assisting affected families. Owaisi requested External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to facilitate repatriation procedures and ensure support for the injured.

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah and the Embassy in Riyadh stated they were extending full assistance. Jaishankar, currently in Russia, said he was deeply shocked and assured that Indian missions were providing all possible support to survivors and families.

In his message on Monday, the Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said the heartbreaking incident has brought immense grief to many families and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Jupally Krishna Rao also expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic bus accident that occurred in Saudi Arabia. Krishna Rao conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the deceased and expressed his deep sympathy to the bereaved families. He reaffirmed that the Telangana government stands firmly with the families of the victims during this difficult time and will extend all necessary assistance and support.

One Survivor in Saudi Bus Tragedy

A devastating bus accident near Medina claimed the lives of 42 Indian Umrah pilgrims on Monday, leaving only one survivor, Mohd Abdul Shoiab, 24, from Hyderabad. Shoiab, seated near the driver, survived when the bus traveling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker around 1:30 am IST. He has been admitted to a local hospital, with his condition currently unknown. Approximately 46 passengers were on board at the time. The Indian mission in Jeddah has set up a control room to assist families and provide updates on the tragedy.